Weekly roundup
Hey Parents! 👋
We are in the thick of summer now, and this weekend has a little bit of everything: harmonies on the mountain, a color run at John Hunt Park, a guided hike, art at the museum, and a fairy-tale tea in the garden. The sky might sprinkle on us here and there, but that’s never stopped us before. Let’s go make some memories!
Friday, July 10 | 7 PM
2026 City Lights & Stars: Brassfield
Burritt on the Mountain
Summer evenings on Burritt Mountain take on a special glow during the City Lights & Stars Concert Series, and the July 10th performance featuring Brassfield promises three-part harmonies that'll have the whole family tapping their toes. This Nashville-based trio—brothers Bradley and Chadley Brassfield plus Chadley's wife, Jessie Rose—blend country, bluegrass, and Americana into a sound that's both contemporary and rooted in tradition. Their vocal harmonies are the real draw, with each member a strong lead singer in their own right. Families will appreciate the relaxed, outdoor concert atmosphere where kids can stretch out on blankets while parents settle into lawn chairs as the sun sets over Huntsville.
What to expect: Live music with great harmonies, amazing food
Perfect for: Families with children of all ages looking to have fun and listen to awesome music.
Pro tip: Bring your own chairs and blankets, and pack a picnic or plan to grab dinner from the food trucks that'll be on-site.
Cost: $25- $60
Saturday, July 11 | 9 - 11 AM
2026 Color Jam Family Run & Walk
John Hunt Park
Start your Saturday morning with a rainbow-fueled adventure at the Color Jam Family Run & Walk, where fitness meets fun in the most vibrant way possible. This untimed event invites families to jog, stroll, or skip their way through John Hunt Park while getting doused in bursts of colorful powder. It's not about speed or competition—it's about moving together, laughing as you turn into walking tie-dye masterpieces, and creating memories that'll show up in photos for years to come. Whether your preschooler prefers to toddle the course or your tween wants to sprint ahead, everyone moves at their own pace in this joyfully messy celebration.
What to expect: Just show up ready to get colorful—no registration fees, no pressure, just pure family fun.
Perfect for: The untimed format means there's no rush, making it ideal for families with younger children ages 3 and up who might need extra time or frequent stops to marvel at their increasingly colorful clothes.
Pro tip: Plan to wear white or light-colored clothing that you don't mind getting stained, and bring a change of clothes for the ride home. Sunglasses or protective eyewear can help keep powder out of eyes, and closed-toe shoes are a must for comfortable walking.
Cost: Free!
Saturday, July 11 | 10 AM
Hike at Monte Sano Nature Preserve: Bankhead Trailhead
Monte Sano
If your family is ready to tackle something a bit more challenging than your usual nature walk, this guided hike at Monte Sano Nature Preserve offers a rewarding adventure through one of Huntsville's most scenic natural areas. The route follows the Toll Gate Greenway for a steady 1.6-mile climb that gets the heart pumping, then loops back down via the Dummy Line Trail for a gentler return to the starting point. While the uphill portion requires some stamina, there are plenty of spots to catch your breath and take in the forest views along the way.
What to expect: The hike lasts about two hours, covering 3 to 3.5 miles total.
Perfect for: This hike is best suited for kids ages 10 and up who are comfortable with longer walks and moderate elevation changes.
Pro tip: Bring plenty of water, wear sturdy shoes with good traction, and consider packing a light snack for the midpoint rest.
Cost: FREE
Sunday, July 12 | 2 PM
Huntsville Museum of Art: Make and Take: Fantastic Florals
Huntsville Museum of Art
Families can drop in for an afternoon of colorful creativity at this free-flow art session focusing on fantastic florals. Using oil pastels, decorative papers, and various embellishments, participants of all ages will create their own floral-inspired masterpieces to take home. The Isenberg Art Academy makes art accessible and fun, with projects designed so that everyone from preschoolers to grandparents can work at their own pace and skill level. You can spend 20 minutes or the full two hours, depending on your child's interest. The oil pastel medium is forgiving and vibrant, making it ideal for younger children who are still developing fine motor skills, while older kids and adults can experiment with layering and more detailed compositions. Since you'll be working with pastels, consider bringing baby wipes for quick cleanups, though the museum typically provides materials for tidying up.
What to expect: Creative free-flow art session
Perfect for: Families with kids who enjoy art and florals
Pro tip: Since you'll be working with pastels, consider bringing baby wipes for quick cleanups, though the museum typically provides materials for tidying up.
Cost: FREE
Sunday, July 12 | 6 PM
Midsummer Night's Tea
Huntsville Botanical Gardens
Step into an enchanted evening at the Huntsville Botanical Garden's Carriage House, where Shakespeare's whimsical forest comes to life through tea, treats, and fairy-tale ambiance. This midsummer celebration pairs the magic of A Midsummer Night's Dream with an elegant afternoon tea service featuring four hand-blended teas from local favorite Piper & Leaf, each carefully chosen to capture the romance and mischief of the play. Alongside your tea flight, you'll enjoy classic finger sandwiches from Fern & Feast Bistro and colorful macarons from Little Macs, all while live music floats through the air and a stunning floral installation sets the scene for photos with friends.
What to expect: Whether you choose elegant garden party attire or embrace your inner woodland sprite with fantastical fairy fashion, all ages are welcome to join this whimsical gathering where nature, literature, and local artisan flavors meet under the summer sky.
Perfect for: Everyone
Pro tip: There will be a cash bar for anyone 21+
Cost: $45 - $55
💡 My Weekend Picks
If I had to narrow it down…
2026 City Lights & Stars: Brassfield - Live music… outdoors… You can’t go wrong! I absolutely love live music! It is the best way to wind down; you can even bring some chairs to be extra comfy!
2026 Color Jam Family Run & Walk - This one is going to be a blast! I’ve always thought it would be fun; now here is my chance to experience it! Let’s go!
Huntsville Museum of Art: Make and Take - We are ready to make some awesome art this weekend! I think the little one will be pumped to make her own creation!
That’s it for this week.
📝 Before You Head Out:
Fair warning: the radar is looking busy this weekend. Highs in the mid-to-high 80s with strong rain chances Friday and Saturday, easing a bit on Sunday. Keep an eye on the sky for the outdoor events, and remember the Make and Take session at the Museum of Art on Sunday is free, air-conditioned, and completely rainproof.
If you end up at any of these, come say hi! I’ll be the one at Color Jam who started the morning in a white shirt and ended it looking like a walking tie-dye experiment, right next to my daughter, who will somehow be even more colorful.
Happy adventuring,
Ryan 🚀